Saving the Stitchbird - A Stitch in Time saves Nine

One of the stitchbirds most endearing features is its ear tufts that flick up and down like the indicator lights of a Morris Minor

Our decision to throw our Foundation weight behind the stitchbird ( hihi)  came because we had a call from DOC highlighting how desperate they were to bring it back from the brink. This curious and delightful little bird just  doesn't seem able to breed in captivity nor is it coping well in natural  environments. Frequently the stitchbird succumbs to mites and despite its  dynamic sex life (it is the only bird that can mate face to face and may  have one or several partners making parentage very difficult to ascertain)  breeding appears problematic.

In taking on a species specific fundraising project the Foundation aims to increase awareness of one species aside from the enormity of the needs of the conservation estate.

The 'Stitch in Time Saves Nine' slogan was selected as it clearly indicates what needs to happen - funds now will save double or triple that amount later ...the implication being that if funds aren't raised it will be too late.

The Foundation hoped that an insurance company that can relate to this  sentiment will jump at the chance of helping our stitchbird. Failng that we thought that maybe a business that was in the business of stitching could see the link and be encouraged to support its stitched up little mate.

The stitch in time saves nine brochure tells the story well and with only $17,000 raised we know that the days for our stitchbird may well be numbered.

 Download brochure (238k)